Tom Anderson
News Editor

If last winter was anything to go by, then we could be in for lots of rain this season, as well. All that water might not be so bad if it didn’t cause problems like mudslides, floods, roof collapses and other unpleasant occurrences.

So what can we do, if anything, to prepare for and better handle the things that happen when precipitation runs amok?

Well, if the thought of a mudslide keeps you awake at night, here are some ideas that may help you be better prepared:

• If you are located in an area with sparse vegetation due to a recent fire or some other reason, the likelihood of a mudslide is significantly higher because plants usually absorb a large portion of runoff water, keeping the soil relatively stable.

• Sandbags, if properly placed, can help reduce the effects of a mudslide on property.

Of course, huge amounts of water can also reek havoc in the flatlands, as evidenced time and time again by floods occurring in all parts of the world. While such situations are often simply beyond the reach of human control, here are some useful tidbits for dealing with rain-induced flooding:

• Make sure the drainage system on your property is not clogged and is
working properly.

• This one may sound like a no-brainer, but here it is anyway: Do not leave your sprinklers set when the weather is rainy. Not only does it waste water, but the more saturated the ground is, the less capable it is of absorbing water.

• If the water level is rising, be sure to get computers, financial records, photo albums and other valuables to higher (or at least dryer) ground. Also, turning off the gas and electrical supplies, if possible, is a good idea.

• Most home insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Floodsmart.gov, a FEMA operated Web site, has answers to many frequently asked questions and can put you in contact with a flood insurance provider in your area, as well as some rather alarming demonstrations of just how much damage even a few inches of water can cause.

If you are worried about roof collapses or similar structural failures, following these tips might help put your mind at ease:

• Make sure the gutters and other drainage systems are clear and free of debris that could reduce their effectiveness, especially if the structure in question has a flat roof.

• If possible, inspect the ceiling joists and other pieces that support the roof for rot, rust, sagging, termite damage or other signs of fatigue.

• Repair any leaks as soon as possible because, over time, the water could compromise the integrity of support structure.

Tom Anderson can be reached at tanderson1@ulv.edu.